German word

umarmen

Pronunciation

IPA/ʊmˈaʁmən/

Meaning

  • verbhug

Example

Wir umarmen uns zur Begrüßung.

We hug each other as a greeting.

Illustration for umarmen (hug)

More examples

Die Großmutter umarmt das Kind zärtlich.

The grandmother hugs the child tenderly.

Core concept

One person encloses another with both arms, whether in a greeting, farewell, comfort, or affection.

Common phrases

  • jemanden umarmen

    hug someone

  • aus Freude umarmen

    hug for joy

  • zärtlich umarmen

    hug tenderly

Similar words

drücken: To press someone firmly against the body using the arms or upper body.
umfassen: To surround someone with the arms or hands in a close embrace.

Definition in German

sich mit den Armen um jemanden legen und körperliche Nähe zeigen

Word origin

The verb combines the German elements um 'around' and Arm 'arm', describing the movement of placing arms around someone.

Usage tips

  • Although um- can mark a separable prefix in German, umarmen is inseparable, so the prefix stays attached in forms such as ich umarme.

Opposites

Related words

  • Umarmunghugnoun

Word lists with this word